[Immunological reactions related to drugs]

Drugs, when bound with proteins invivo, become immunogenic. The immunogenic response is usually unnoticed, but occasionally it may be the cause of reactions which induce tissue damages. The immunologic mechanisms which induce tissue damages are classified in four types: 1) anaphylactic, 2) cytolytic, reactions mediated by immune complex, 4) delayed type hypersensitivity reactions. Besides these reactions certain drugs induce autoantibodies which give lupus signs. In the diagnosis of drug-induced reactions the history after drug intake is considered important. The prophylaxis and treatment of these reactions are discussed briefly.